Have You Been a Victim of This Identity Theft Scam? State Police Warn Residents

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a New York State Trooper, you most likely are being scammed.

'Tis the season for scamming, and New York residents are being called by bad guys pretending to be state troopers. According to the Pleasantville Daily Voice, the fake troopers are telling the callers that their identities have either been stolen or are being investigated. In other words, the fakes are phishing for personal information or asking for money for a made-up cause.

Take a look at your caller ID, and if you receive a call from 518-897-2000, immediately contact the New York State Police at 518-873-2750. It is a steadfast rule that the state police never solicit donations from the general public -- especially over the phone. Here are some warning signs so you're able to differentiate between legitimate and dirtbag solicitors:

• They may be a slimeball if they won't provide an address or phone number.
• They may be a degenerate if they demand immediate payment.
• They may be a sleeze if they don't know how contributions will be spent.
• They may be an abhorrent person if they become angry or impatient.

Listen to Ethan Carey on the Ethan & Lou Show weekdays from 5:30-10AM on 95.1 FM. You can listen online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.